Is motorcycling allowed?

[IceCreamMan]

16 hours ago, Hairy said:

So the Harley needs a new rear tyre ... just short on 5K for the Night Dragon with fitment.

The KTM base gasket has reached the point of no return and should now be shorted out before doing any longer rides. That is looking like a min. 10.5K bill.

Still cheaper than keeping a well spec'ed MTB running 🤣

Bikes just cost money. Close eyes and pay. 
 

my monster coming up for 600 mile service. Essentially an oil change. Quoted 325 pounds. It hurts me deeply cos I could do it for less than 50. Adjust the chain etc. 

but then I would lose the warranty and we all know Ducati warranty is worth gold. 🤣

[Hairy]

On 3/20/2025 at 1:24 PM, IceCreamMan said:

Bikes just cost money. Close eyes and pay. 
 

my monster coming up for 600 mile service. Essentially an oil change. Quoted 325 pounds. It hurts me deeply cos I could do it for less than 50. Adjust the chain etc. 

but then I would lose the warranty and we all know Ducati warranty is worth gold. 🤣

My one neighbour has a Monster ........ he said to me the other day, you need to come around and take her for a spin.

The temptation is very very real, but I do not like riding other peoples bikes.

[IceCreamMan]

1 hour ago, Hairy said:

My one neighbour has a Monster ........ he said to me the other day, you need to come around and take her for a spin.

The temptation is very very real, but I do not like riding other peoples bikes.

I am still learning how to ride this monster. It’s tiny for a 1000 cc motorcycle and it turns on a tickey. Weights next to nothing and has a huge surge of torque. Can’t take it over 6000 rpm while running in but reality is there is plenty fun under 6k anyway. Accelerates like a rocket and weird seeing as it only has 110 hp. Feels twitchy but maybe a dampener could give it some stability though the forums say nothing to worry about. 
 

it’s a hellova lot of fun, what biking is about really, fun. 

[Andymann]

And in the next chapter of bikes that Andymann buys which will only need a few small issues sorted but turn into a massive money pit we have a 1981 DT175H.........

Quickly taking off the exhaust to paint and check why the head is leaking will turn into a complete rebuild.  But it needs to be done unfortunately, and as I tell the Apprentices that work for us - do it properly.  You can't be half-pregnant!

[Andymann]

And on a more positive note - I decided that since no-one else was able to help I was on my own with the weird YDIS Carbs on the XTZ.  So after much cursing and gnashing of teeth I managed to figure out how it works....

The float level is super critical and needs to be set off the bike perfectly level.

 

 

[Stoffel76]

6 hours ago, Andymann said:

 

They're like a pair of weird, Siamese twin carburetors! Left carb gets the float bowl, right one got the vacuum diaphragm and then they share!   🤣

 

 

 

[Andymann]

1 minute ago, Stoffel76 said:

They're like a pair of weird, Siamese twin carburetors! Left carb gets the float bowl, right one got the vacuum diaphragm and then they share!   🤣

 

 

 

Exactly. And if the Motorcycle Gods so wish, they might exist in harmony.  But you have to make all sorts of sacrifices.  Otherwise, Mr. Primary and Ms. Secondary are just going to practice corridor sex......

[Andymann]

I will say though that for the first time since I have owned it, it's beautiful low down where you get the benefit of the normal slide carb, but when you whack open the throttle and the CV comes into play it pulls like a train.  It's really fun to ride now.

[IceCreamMan]

Took the RF out yesterday for a ride to meet a mate. Every time I ride this I am reminded what a great bike this is. Stable as anything and just soooo smooth. 
 

needs a good clean though, winter riding has taken its toll. 

[Hairy]

On 3/27/2025 at 9:46 AM, Andymann said:

And on a more positive note - I decided that since no-one else was able to help I was on my own with the weird YDIS Carbs on the XTZ.  So after much cursing and gnashing of teeth I managed to figure out how it works....

The float level is super critical and needs to be set off the bike perfectly level.

 

 

Idle sounds good.

[Andymann]

On 3/27/2025 at 9:37 AM, Andymann said:

And in the next chapter of bikes that Andymann buys which will only need a few small issues sorted but turn into a massive money pit we have a 1981 DT175H.........

Quickly taking off the exhaust to paint and check why the head is leaking will turn into a complete rebuild.  But it needs to be done unfortunately, and as I tell the Apprentices that work for us - do it properly.  You can't be half-pregnant!

Motor will need a complete redo......

[Andymann]

9 minutes ago, Hairy said:

Idle sounds good.

it was a bit high there - but dropped it 200rpm and it's a lot happier!

[Hairy]

Did a bike camp-over thing for the first time this weekend in the Montagu area.

The road from CT to the tunnel entrance went from overcast to "I can not see more than 5m infront of me" and then when existing the tunnel it opened up to the most amazing weather and views.

Personally I really enjoy riding along side mountains, with the sheer scale of hovering over you.

The campsite outside Montagu also has a lovely pass/mountain section to traverse, with a final gravel road to get to the campsite (Doringlaagte Montagu).

All in a really good ride, good people and a good campsite = a really good experience.

My Wine2Whales dufflebag came in handy, could get all my equipment, other than the camp chair into the dufflebag, and this easily strapped onto the backseat and sissybar.

Lesson learnt though, bring the bigger tent on the next trip ... some things you do not skimp on 🤣

 

 

 

 

 

[Hairy]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFixSnRy3QB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

[WaynejG]

1 hour ago, Hairy said:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFixSnRy3QB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

That closing scene of Harley Davidson and the Marlboro man is such a classic. Mind you even the opening scene with that Bon Jovi song playing is fantastic. 

Very corny movie but one of my favorites.